CONNECTICUT, USA — For years, a trend has circulated on social media, where groups of people who call themselves “Kia Boyz” are videotaping the theft of Kias and Hyundais across the country. At least one of those groups exists in Connecticut and was recently featured in a video on YouTube.
“Go get you any flathead and any USB cord and go get you any car you want,” one of the boys said in the first 14 seconds of the video, while wearing a face covering.
The trend started on social media back in 2021, originating in Milwaukee. Then, it hit the rest of the Midwest and the Northeast the hardest.
“It’s really been fed by social media, by teenagers seeing other teenagers steal a car and then shoot video of themselves in the act of the crime,” said James Bell, head of Corporate Communications for Kia America, which is owned by Hyundai Motor Company.
Bell said only models from 2011 to 2021 with a steal key that goes into the ignition can be stolen this way. So, last year, the company created a software upgrade for those models, making them harder to steal.
“If you have this software upgrade installed in your vehicle, if somebody does go through that trouble, the alarm system will run for an extended period of time and the ignition system will be defeated,” Bell said.
The upgrade is free to all Kia and Hyundai owners, available at their local car dealership. Bell said it takes about as long as an oil change, and is a minimally invasive procedure. In their documentary, the Kia Boys mentioned it has stopped them from stealing several cars.
Bell and his company are also visiting the hardest hit areas across the country, hosting events to install those free upgrades for their customers.
“We’ve worked with law enforcement all across the country; they’ve been great. And, they recognize that this is a crime issue. But we, as Kia, want our customers to have more confidence and comfort in their vehicles,” Bell said.
However, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong feels more needs to be done.
“There has been some response, and they have taken some action, but clearly, it’s not enough. This is still happening,” Tong said.
Tong is leading an effort with other attorney generals to investigate the company’s response to this issue.
“We’re going to hold them accountable to make sure they do everything they can to keep these cars safe,” Tong said.
And part of the problem, Tong said, is that many customers don’t even know about the upgrades, or don’t think they’ll fall victim to the crimes.
“I live in a gated community, and I’m way at the top. So, they would have to walk up hill. So, I don’t think that’s going to happen,” said Sharon Wardle, who owns a 2015 Kia in the effected group.
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Tong again called for more accountability for the company.
“We need them to take their cars in, do whatever they need to do to upgrade them to provide anti-theft technology, like every other car, and do their part to stop this from happening,” Tong said.
FOX61 reached out to the Connecticut State Police. A spokesperson said they are aware of the videos and are investigating with their federal partners.
As for the multi-state investigation Tong is leading - he said it’s very active, and they’re putting a ton of pressure on the manufacturers.
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Julia LeBlanc is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jleblanc@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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